Frankfurt (Oder): 15-year-old arrested after suspicion of terrorism

Frankfurt (Oder): 15-year-old arrested after suspicion of terrorism

In a troubling incident that keeps the security authorities on, a 15-year-old boy from Frankfurt (Oder) is suspected of having instigated a 19-year-old man to plan a possible terrorist attack. The main suspect, who had previously planned attacks on concerts by the popular singer Taylor Swift in Vienna, has now come into focus of the investigation that is associated with the cancellation of three concerts in August.

The cancellations of the concerts in the Ernst Happel Stadium were carried out by the Austrian authorities based on terrorist warnings. A 19-year-old was arrested who is suspected of wanting to drive into the crowd with a car and explosives. It is striking that this young man had previously sworn loyalty to the terrorist organization of Islamic State (IS), which makes his intentions more suspicious.

Development of the investigation

In the investigation into the arrest of the 19-year-old, the authorities came across the 15-year-old, who lives in Frankfurt (Oder). German security forces searched his apartment and found evidence that showed a connection to the main suspect. According to reports, the two were in contact with a messenger service. According to the ARD terrorism expert Michael Götschenberg, the 15-year-old could even have played a crucial role in the radicalization of the 19-year-old. However, it remains unclear whether the two have specifically talked about terrorist attacks.

The Situation quickly gave itself to the 15-year-old. He is currently in police custody because the investigators fear acute dangerous scenario. The measures are not based on the findings of the proceedings of the federal prosecutor, but above all on suspicion that the young person may have had his own stop plans. This speculation has been reinforced by reports that considerations for an attack on an event with homosexual participants are said to have been made.

Another aspect that gives rise to concern for the civil servants is the upcoming Christopher Street Day in Frankfurt (Oder). The police seem to have used this knowledge as an argument in order to temporarily "pull out of traffic" the 15-year-old. This measure is intended to ensure that no further undesirable incidents take place and public security concerns are cleared.

The tragic reality behind these events shows how easily young people can get into extremist currents. The fact that the 15-year-old may have founded violent thoughts throws a light on the challenges, the security authorities in monitoring and combating extremism. Such events illustrate the importance of preventing possible dangers and clarifying before it comes to an emergency.